Saturday evening was a true delight in Cody, Wyoming. Although the 400 mile drive between my house and Cody seemed a bit lengthy, being in attendance at the Respect Life Banquet sponsored by Catholics United For Life was worth the trek. I had the opportunity to meet and visit with Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A., Ph.D. from Priests for Life during dinner. I then had the privilege of being the opening speaker for the evening prior to the keynote address given from Fr. Denis.

I saw a number of familiar faces in the crowd of over 100 people in attendance. It was especially wonderful to see several tables full of young people. Knowing that many of these individuals make the trek from Cody to Cheyenne each January for the Pro-Life March to our state capitol touched my heart immensely. They make a genuine sacrifice of time, talent, and treasure to be a faithful witness to the dignity and sanctity of human life.

I shared with the people in attendance the good work that is being done across the diocese in regard to cultivating a culture of life. Teaming up with the Knights of Columbus we have purchased ultra-sound machines for pregnancy care centers in Cody, Jackson, Sheridan, Gillette, Rock Springs, and soon a new and better machine will be purchased in Casper. The pregnancy care center in Cody is currently doing about 120 to 150 ultra-sounds per year. Beginning on October 17 their outreach with the ultra-sound machine will extend once a week to the community of Powell as well.

Although there is not a 40 Days for Life campaign in Wyoming, we have people participating in Billings, Montana, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Fort Collins, Colorado. Our presence is making a difference.Life Chain takes place this Sunday. We have had a 50% increase in the number of communities in Wyoming taking part in Life Chain in the last two years. We added Kemmerer last year. This year we added Rock Springs and Evanston. Go to the website www.lifechain.net to find the location nearest you. Get involved!I was asked to open the evening with the prayer that I used last January at the banquet in Cheyenne when Abby Johnson was the keynote speaker. I kept most of it the same but tweaked it just a little bit for this specific gathering. I have included the text below.

Fr. Denis provided a very informative and inspirational presentation. This was topped at the end when he sat down at the piano and showed a magnificent talent. All I can say is WOW! I was given two of his CDs as a gift and I am looking forward to enjoying the music he makes. God has blessed Fr. Denis in multiple ways. Thank you Fr. Denis for sharing those gifts and talents with us.

Creator Of Life--Thank You"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"That is an assurance of God's love solid and trueWe are the beloved and precious in His sightHow did our society get to this current plightChildren are viewed as a burden to be discardedPlanned Parenthood is abundantly rewardedThe liberal media calls it "women's health care"The reality is a truth too heart-wrenching to bear

"Pro-choice" sounds liberating, sensible, and kindThe deception it promotes is the tie that will bind"Pro-abortion" is not appealing to the one who hearsAccurate terminology could instill worry and fearsLanguage matters, and progressives know the drillDon't let anyone know that abortion really does kill"A woman's right to choose" is now firmly entrenchedPro-lifers are seen as the radicals who should be benchedThe landscape seems to always be somewhat weird and strangePro-choicers now want the current language to shift and changePlanned Parenthood consent forms call abortion a "difficult decision"Yikes! That is currently being looked upon with disdain and derisionAbortion is a difficult decision--exactly what does that implyCould it be an ethical debate on a moral issue deserving a replyThe "hard choice" indicates a debate on whether or not a fetus should liveEndowing the clump of cells with the status of being--what does that giveThey claim "pro-choice" no longer resonates with voters as it once didBacking away from the posture of a "difficult decision" is the new bidThey now emphasize--don't give any inclination that it really is a childBecause if you do it, provides fodder for the anti-choicers really go wildLet's face it--"Follow the money" has been an accurate trail in the pastCut off tax dollars and watch Planned Parenthood move fastLitigation or legislation--it's all about abortion on demand Roe versus Wade and Doe versus Bolton--the law of the landThere have been over 41 years of tragedy since that fateful timeMillions have died--and a civilized society doesn't see a crimeIs it apathy and complacency--or is it something much deeperWhat has caused us to fail in being our brother and sister's keeperTo the many women (and men) who are experiencing painIt is not necessary to be isolated and suffering alone in vainAll of the wounds and painful memories you can freely bringThere is healing and forgiveness from Jesus Christ our KingAll of us gathered here in this room tonightAre challenged to keep fighting the good fightMay each of us work with faithfulness and loveAnd be open to the abundance of grace from aboveAnd so we pray:Heavenly Father, it is with a contrite heart that we humbly seek youMay the love of Jesus strengthen and guide us in what we say and doLet your Holy Spirit empower us to be faithful witnesses to the sanctity of lifeMay we never waver in proclaiming the Truth regardless of the difficulty or strifeOh God, we lift up to you all those who need our prayers nowYour abundant grace and compassionate mercy please endowFor the woman considering an abortion--please give her hopeGive her the strength and courage she needs to effectively cope

For the family and friends surrounding their loved one in needGive them gentleness and patience to not break a bruised reedBring conversion of heart to any father not wanting his childLet his temperament grow in peace and not be unjustly riledGuide all of us to grow in appreciation for life--and to not be cynicsWe pray especially for all those who are employed at abortion clinicsThe directors, doctors, nurses, support staff, and the volunteers tooWe plead for their repentance and conversion; we lift them up to youFor each baby who did not have the opportunity to see the light of dayWe simply trust in your love and mercy and know you will guide the wayFor the women who still grieve and mourn after years and yearsGrant them healing and comfort through their sorrowful tearsThank you father, for all those involved with Catholics United for Life-- they are a treasure indeedDedication, faithfulness, and compassion--they are truly sowing the seedA bountiful harvest is being reaped due to the tender, loving care of the soilAbortion clinics closing, workers leaving, babies living--it is definitely worth the toilFor all who keep faithfully shining the lightWe simply pray in thanksgiving tonightLet each of us witness to the Truth all across the landOh God, firmly hold us in the palm of Your loving hand

Our prayer this night is offered with a contrite heartFrom your ways O Lord, may we never partYesterday, today and forever--always the sameWe make our humble prayer in Jesus' name.Amen!

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